Porsche 718 Cayman (2016) Review
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Porsche 718 Cayman (2016) At A Glance
Insurance Group 44
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure
The Porsche Cayman is now the firm's entry-level model (a rearrange of the line-up in 2016 saw it swap places with the Boxster), but you'd be wrong to think it's nothing more than a cut-price 911. It is, in fact, a fantastic little two-seater sports car, that feels more special than rivals like the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series.
There are some 'buts', of course. For the 718 Cayman, Porsche dropped the fantastic naturally-aspirated flat-six engines in favour of turbocharged four-pots in 2.0 and 2.5-litre guises. With it came improved efficiency, but enthusiasts might find the hot-hatch-like soundtrack irritating - especially if they've previously owned the old 981 model.
No matter what your thoughts on the engine (we don't find it as offensive as some), the Cayman remains one of the most agile sports cars on the market. It boasts a 'comprehensively retuned chassis', says Porsche, comprising of stiffer anti-roll bars, fettled dampers and a steering rack that's ten per cent more direct.
And if you're a serious driver, you'll love the Cayman. Its electrically-assisted steering is heavy enough to make you realise that you're driving a proper sports car, and as you approach the limit it's communicative enough to allow you to push further. There's plenty of traction, thanks to its mid-engined layout, but there's enough power to get the rear end of the 718 moving around should you fancy splashing out on a track day.
When the latest Cayman arrived in 2016, its interior wasn't that different from its predecessor - which had been on sale since 2013 and itself didn't represent a dramatic change from the original 2005 Cayman. As such, the cabin does feel a little dated compared to more contemporary rivals. It feels very well made, though, with lots of soft-touch materials and a superb driving position.
Indeed, you get the feeling that the cabin's been made with the pure intention of driving enjoyment. It's not as hardcore as rivals like the Alpine A110 (you certainly wouldn't despise it by the end of a long journey), but everything is centred around the driver, with a high centre console, low seating position and relatively small infotainment screen positioned in the centre of the dash.
It's not the most practical choice. Unlike the Audi TT, there are just the two seats, and you'll struggle for stowage compartments around the cabin. There is a useful 425-litres of boot space, but this is divided between two small (awkwardly positioned) compartments located in the front and rear of the car. They're fine for soft weekend bags, but don't expect the Cayman to cope with a trip to Ikea.
The Cayman has its flaws. But it's also the most fun you can have on the right side of £50,000. It'll put a smile on your face, thanks to its feel-good interior, engaging drive and head-turning looks. Rivals like the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series might be objectively better in many ways, but they don't offer the same sports car experience as the Cayman.
Looking for a Porsche 718 Cayman (2016 on)?
Register your interest for later or request to be contacted by a dealer to talk through your options now.
Real MPG average for a Porsche 718 Cayman (2016)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
89%
Real MPG
23–40 mpg
MPGs submitted
11
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
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